Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and fellow MVP candidate Luka Doncic’s teams are set to go head-to-head for the third time already this season. The Nuggets and the Mavericks have split their two previous meetings prior to this upcoming match.
Elsewhere, the Lakers are in for another big test as they are going to face another top Eastern Conference contender on the road – the Cavaliers – while the Pistons and the Heat plan to get back on the winning track after losing their last match.
Although we have a lean schedule tomorrow, basketball fans should be able to still get their share of NBA 2022 highlights.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Cleveland Cavaliers
After a woeful 2-10 start, the Lakers are now 8-2 in their last 10 matches. In fact, if Andrew Nembhard didn’t hit that game-winner, they would’ve been 4-0 this past week.
Anthony Davis is on fire right now. He was just named the Western Conference Player of the Week, and rightfully so, since he’s been spearheading the Lakers’ charge.
The Brow posted norms of 37.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks in his last four games. Davis is fresh from a 55-point outburst in their 130-119 victory over the Wizards, making him the second Laker since Shaquille O’Neal to have consecutive games with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds.
His co-star LeBron James is also playing at a high level. The King has averaged 29 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, looking spry after being sidelined by his groin injury weeks ago.
James also recently passed Magic Johnson for sixth on the NBA’s all-time assists list. He has dished out 10,150 assists as of this writing.
The Lakers still have a long way to go to move into the top half of the West standings, but their SBOTOP NBA 2022 odds have drastically improved following this strong stretch.
But the Cavaliers aren’t going to make it easier for them, as they’ve won three of their last five games, and they’ve only lost once at home so far this season (10-1).
Summer acquisition Donovan Mitchell continues to lead the way for Cleveland, topping them in scoring at 28.4 points per game. He struggled in their recent loss to the Knicks, so look for him to bounce back.
Betting Tip: Los Angeles Lakers Asian Handicap +3.50 @ 2.02
Detroit Pistons @ Miami Heat
After going 2-2 in their last four games, the Heat are back home, aiming to win all of their next three games before going on another four-game road-trip.
Miami won against Atlanta before splitting their previous two games against Boston, and they’re coming off a loss against Memphis – who were without Ja Morant (ankle).
Jimmy Butler’s return after missing seven consecutive games has helped the Heat. In his last two outings, he has averaged 21.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting at least 50-per cent from the field.
With Butler sidelined, Bam Adebayo stepped up, as he’s posting 27.2 points per game in his last five – including scoring a season-high 38 against the Wizards last week.
In contrast, the Pistons have lost four of their last five as they are still without their franchise cornerstone Cunningham. The sophomore guard hasn’t played since November 9 and he is not expected to play anytime soon due to a shin injury.
The Pistons fear that Cunningham suffered a stress fracture and might need to go under the knife.
Despite some solid performances from Killian Hayes, Jaden Ivey, Marvin Bagley III, and Bojan Bogdanovic, the Pistons’ defense leaves a lot to be desired since they’re 29th, conceding an average of 118.2 points per contest.
Dallas Mavericks @ Denver Nuggets
The Mavericks aim for their third consecutive win in order to gain more ground in the West standings. They’re one game over the .500 mark at 12-11 – good for the ninth spot.
Luka Doncic continues to put up video game numbers for Dallas. He’s been posting norms of 31.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists in his last five. He has been getting ample support from his teammates lately, namely Tim Hardaway Jr. and Christian Wood, who are averaging 17.2 and 15.6 points in their previous five outings.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets have lost back-to-back on the road despite the efforts of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
They are missing the services of Michael Porter Jr. – who’s likely out for his seventh straight match due to a strained heel.
Betting Tip: Denver Nuggets Asian Handicap -5.00 @ 2.08
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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